Bill of Rights and the Constitution

What were the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?

The Bill of Rights.

What rights does the First Amendment guarantee?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

What is the right protected by the Second Amendment?

The right to bear arms.

What does the Third Amendment protect against?

Quartering of troops.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

Unreasonable searches and seizures.

What rights are protected by the Fifth Amendment?

Right to due process, protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

What does the Sixth Amendment guarantee?

Right to a fair trial, notice of accusations, and the right to legal counsel.

What does the Seventh Amendment ensure?

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

What protection does the Eighth Amendment provide?

Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

What does the Ninth Amendment acknowledge?

Rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are also protected.

What does the Tenth Amendment state about powers not delegated to the federal government?

They are reserved to the states or the people.

What branch of government makes laws?

Legislative Branch.

What does the Executive Branch do?

Enforces laws.

Who heads the Executive Branch?

The President.

Which branch of government interprets laws?

Judicial Branch.

What does the Judicial Branch consist of?

The Supreme Court and other federal courts.

What is the purpose of the Constitution?

To establish the framework for national governance.

What amendment protects you from being tried twice for the same crime?

The Fifth Amendment.

What is the main role of the Legislative Branch?

To make laws.

Which body is part of the Legislative Branch?

Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What does the Fifth Amendment protect against?

Self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

Which amendment establishes the right to a fair trial?

The Sixth Amendment.

What kind of punishment does the Eighth Amendment protect against?

Cruel and unusual punishment.

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

To interpret laws.

How does the Constitution guarantee individual rights?

Through the Bill of Rights.

What is one of the functions of the Judicial Branch?

To interpret laws.

Which amendment addresses the rights retained by the people?

The Ninth Amendment.

Who has the power to enforce laws in the United States?

The Executive Branch headed by the President.

What is the first step in making a law?

A proposed law is introduced, often called a bill.

Who can introduce a bill in the legislative process?

Members of Congress (either the House of Representatives or the Senate).

What happens to a bill after it is introduced?

It is assigned to a committee for review.

What does the committee do with a bill?

The committee can hold hearings, make amendments, and vote on whether to send it to the full chamber.

What is a 'mark-up' session?

A meeting where committee members discuss and make changes to a bill.

What occurs if a committee approves a bill?

The bill is reported to the full chamber for debate.

How is a bill debated?

Members of the chamber discuss the bill and may propose further amendments.

What happens after the debate on a bill?

A vote is taken; it can pass, be amended further, or be rejected.

What is 'reconciliation' in the legislative process?

The process of resolving differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

What happens if both chambers approve the same bill?

It is sent to the President for approval or veto.